Body fluid collection apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surgical fluid collection apparatus includes a housing member defining an internal chamber for collection of body fluids and a holder member releasably couplable to the housing member. The holder member includes an internal penetrating member defining an internal conduit in fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the housing member when the holder member is coupled to the housing member to permit passage of the body fluids therethrough. A collection member is positionable with respect to the holder member to receive the body fluids passing through the internal conduit of the internal penetrating member.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to fluid collection apparatus,and more particularly, to an apparatus that facilitates fluid collectionfrom an umbilical cord while preventing hazardous exposure to blood andbody fluids collected.

2. Background of the Related Art

Body fluids, such as blood, urine, etc., can be collected during variousmedical procedures for analysis. For example, fluid and blood samplesare typically collected from an umbilical cord of a newborn infant toascertain blood type and Rh factor. Collection of umbilical cord bloodis also beneficial due to its considerable curative value, e.g., use inbone marrow replacement procedures for treatment of cancer andimmuno-deficiency disorders. Further, fetal blood has importantcommercial and therapeutic use in medical fields, such as, tissueculture, stem cell collection, pharmacology and biological research.

Several methods for umbilical cord blood sampling are known. One methodincludes holding a severed free end of an umbilical cord, still attachedto a placenta, over a test tube or container. Blood is drained from theplacenta into the test tube or container by milking the umbilical cord.A typical sample requires about 5 cc. This procedure has severaldisadvantages in that it is awkward to perform, difficult to control thesterility of the collected cord blood and may hazardously expose medicalpersonnel to cord blood due to splattering, etc.

In another method, blood is drawn from the umbilical cord vein via alarge gauge needle and syringe. This procedure is also awkward toperform and may hazardously expose medical personnel to potential needlesticks. More recently, an umbilical cord segment is clamped on two endsand moved to a collection device or container where the cord blood isdrained by removing the clamps from either or both ends. Ultimately, thecord blood must be transferred to a storage container, such as a testtube, to prevent contamination of the blood and minimize hazardousexposure to health care workers. These funnel type collection devicesrequire larger apertures that interface with non-standard wide-mouthedtest tubes because they rely on gravity to cause the blood to flow.Other cord blood collection devices include large containers to hold theentire cord segment. The containers are sealed so that vacuum pressurecan be used to cause blood to flow through a smaller aperture or needle.Needle type interfaces, however, must include shielding to protectmedical personnel. The necessary shielding adds more bulk to thecollection device.

The above devices disadvantageously expose medical personnel toaccidental needle sticks and potentially hazardous body fluids.Needlesticks can, for example, occur during manipulation of a collectiondevice including, assembly, dis-assembly or insertion into a bloodvessel of the umbilical cord. Hazards such as, for example,needlesticks, splattering, etc. can present dangerous exposure to fluidscontaminated with bacterial diseases, and potentially fatal viralinfections such as AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, etc.

Attempts have been made to overcome the disadvantages of the prior artand prevent hazardous exposure to blood and body fluids. Some designsemploy a needle hood for a needle container which sealingly engages anevacuated tube. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,915,384 and 5,342,328.Designs of this type, however, still involve the use of a container witha needle and may not adequately prevent hazardous exposure to blood andbody fluids. Still other designs employ complicated valve connectionsbetween a container and a syringe for receiving collected cord blood.These prior designs, however, may not safely transfer fluid due to theircomplexity and number of parts. Complex structure can result in highmanufacturing costs. Further, these configurations are not easilyadapted to existing medical components.

Consequently, there remains a need to provide a more satisfactorysolution for fluid collection apparatus by overcoming the disadvantagesand drawbacks of the prior art. Therefore, it would be desirable toprovide a fluid collection apparatus for collection of umbilical cordfluid which prevents hazardous exposure to blood and body fluids and isadaptable to existing medical components. Such a fluid collectionapparatus should have reduced complexity to increase reliability andimprove fluid collection. It would be highly desirable for the fluidcollection apparatus to employ luer connections thereby minimizing thepotential for inadvertent needle stick.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure addresses a need for a fluidcollection apparatus which protects practitioners, supporting medicalpersonnel and patients from hazardous exposure during umbilical cordfluid collection. The present disclosure resolves related disadvantagesand drawbacks experienced in the prior art. More specifically, theapparatus and method of the present disclosure constitute an importantadvance in the art of fluid collection by providing an apparatus withreduced complexity and fewer needle interfaces. This structureadvantageously improves safety and reliability while loweringmanufacturing cost. Moreover, the apparatus does not require needleshields, etc. thereby reducing bulk. Desirably, the fluid collectionapparatus employs luer connectors to avoid needle use and increasesafety.

In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure, a fluid collection apparatus is provided. The fluidcollection apparatus includes a housing configured for receipt of fluidand has a first surface which defines a needleless first mating portion.A holder has a first end and a second end configured to receive anevacuated tube. The first end defines a second mating portion on anouter surface thereof which is in fluid communication with the evacuatedtube. The first mating portion sealingly engages the second matingportion to establish fluid communication therebetween.

The housing may have a cylindrical body portion configured anddimensioned to support at least a portion of an umbilical cord. Thefirst surface of the housing can have a funnel configuration. The firstmating portion and the second mating portion may alternatively include amale connector and a female connector. Desirably, the first matingportion engages the second mating portion in a slip interference fit.

In another embodiment, the first mating portion has a locking surfacethat engages the second mating portion to lock the housing with theholder. The housing can be releasably locked with the holder. Thelocking surface may have a threaded portion that receives the secondmating portion. In yet another embodiment, the first end of the holderincludes a needle hub supporting a needle cannula in fluid communicationwith the second mating portion and extending away from the first matingportion. The needle cannula may engage the evacuated tube to establishfluid communication between the first mating portion and the evacuatedtube.

In an alternate embodiment, an umbilical cord fluid collection apparatusincludes a cylindrical housing defining a cavity for receipt of at leasta portion of an umbilical cord. The housing has a funnel surface whichdefines a male luer connector. A holder has a first end and a second endconfigured to receive an evacuated tube. The first end defines a femaleluer connector on an outer surface thereof in fluid communication withan inner surface of the first end. The inner surface is in fluidcommunication with the evacuated tube. The male luer connector sealinglyengages the female luer connector to establish fluid communicationbetween the male luer connector and the evacuated tube. Theconfiguration of the male luer connector of the housing advantageouslyfacilitates adaptability to pre-existing holders having female luerconnectors. The funnel surface may have a locking surface that engagesthe first end to lock the housing with the holder. The locking surfacemay be disposed about the male luer connector and includes a threadedportion that receives the first end of the holder. The inner surface ofthe first end can include a needle hub supporting a needle cannula influid communication with the female luer connector and extending awayfrom the male luer connector. The needle cannula may engage theevacuated tube to establish fluid communication between the male luerconnector and the evacuated tube.

A method for collecting umbilical cord fluid is provided including thesteps of: providing a fluid collection apparatus, similar to thosedescribed, attaching a first mating portion to a second mating portionto form a non-puncturing seal therebetween; disposing umbilical cordfluid in a housing; inserting an evacuated tube with a holder toestablish fluid communication between the second mating portion and theevacuated tube such that umbilical cord fluid is collected in theevacuated tube. The step of providing may include an inner surface of afirst end of the holder having a needle cannula extending away from thefirst mating portion such that the step of inserting includes puncturingthe evacuated tube with the needle cannula to establish fluidcommunication between the second mating portion and the evacuated tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present disclosure are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The present disclosure, as to itsorganization and manner of operation, together with further objectivesand advantages may be understood by reference to the followingdescription, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view, in part cross section, of oneparticular embodiment of a housing of a fluid collection apparatus, inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the housing shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the housing shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the housing shown in FIG. 3 and aholder of the fluid collection apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the housing and the holder shown inFIG. 4, assembled, and an evacuation tube of the fluid collectionapparatus;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the assembled fluid collectionapparatus shown in FIG. 5 collecting fluid from an umbilical cord; and

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the fluid collection apparatusshown in FIG. 5 upon collection of fluid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the fluid collection apparatus and methodsof operation disclosed are discussed in terms of a fluid collectingdevice, and more particularly in terms of an umbilical cord bloodcollection apparatus that mates its constituent parts with a fluidcollection holder that prevents hazardous exposure to blood and bodyfluids including, for example, inadvertent needle stick. It iscontemplated that a housing of the fluid collection apparatus uses aneedless mating connection to increase safety during use includingstorage, transport, fluid collection, subsequent thereto, etc. It isenvisioned that the present disclosure, however, finds application to awide variety of fluid collection procedures relating to analysis,sampling, diagnosis, treatment, etc. It is further envisioned that thepresent disclosure may be employed for collection of various body fluidsincluding those relating to phlebotomy, digestive, intestinal, urinary,veterinary, etc. It is contemplated that the components of the fluidcollection apparatus may be utilized with other medical applicationdevices including phlebotomy devices, catheters, catheter introducers,guide wire introducers, and those employed during procedures relating tospinal and epidural, biopsy, aphaeresis, dialysis, etc.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” refers to a portionof a structure that is closer to a practitioner, and the term “distal”refers to a portion that is further from the practitioner. As usedherein, the term “subject” refers to a patient that has blood and/orfluid collected therefrom using a fluid collection apparatus. Accordingto the present disclosure, the term practitioner refers to an individualperforming fluid collection, installing, assembling or removing thefluid collection apparatus and may include support personnel.

The following discussion includes a description of the fluid collectionapparatus, followed by a description of the method of operating thefluid collection apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.

Turning now to the figures, wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views. Referringinitially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a cylindrical housing12 of an umbilical cord fluid collection apparatus 10 (FIG. 5),constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.Fluid collection apparatus 10 is advantageously configured to preventhazardous exposure to blood and body fluids by providing a needlelesssealing engagement between housing 12 and the components of fluidcollection apparatus 10, as will be discussed. The design of fluidcollection apparatus 10 provides improved reliability and reducesassociated manufacturing costs.

Housing 12 is configured for receipt of a fluid, such as, for example,umbilical cord blood 13 (FIG. 6) and defines a cavity 14 for receipt ofat least a portion of an umbilical cord 16 (FIG. 5). Cavity 14 iscylindrical, however, it is contemplated that the cavity may have othergeometric configurations, such as, for example, rectangular, etc.,according to the particular requirements of a medical application.Housing 12 has a first surface, such as, for example, a funnel 18.Funnel 18 is configured to direct cord fluid accumulation toward acentral section thereof and consequently in position for collection intoan evacuated tube 28 (FIG. 5). It is contemplated that gravity and/or avacuum force from evacuated tube 28 cooperates with funnel 18 to drawfluid therethrough. It is envisioned that the first surface of housing12 may have other orientations such as, for example, planar, etc.

Funnel 18 defines a first mating portion, such as, for example, a maleluer connector 20 to facilitate a needless sealing engagement with afluid collection holder 22, as shown in FIG. 4, and discussed below.Holder 22 has first end 24 that longitudinally extends to a second end26. Holder 22 is substantially cylindrical and defines a tubular cavity27. Second end 26 is configured to receive evacuated tube 28 fordisposal within cavity 27. It is contemplated that cavity 27 may variousgeometric cross-sections, such as, for example, circular, rectangular,etc. according to the requirements of a particular medical application.

First end 24 defines a second mating portion, such as, for example, afemale luer connector 30 on outer surface 32 thereof. Female luerconnector 30 engages male luer connector 20, as will be discussed, toform a needleless seal and facilitate transfer of cord blood 13 toevacuated tube 28. Female luer connector 30 is in fluid communicationwith an inner surface 34 of first end 24 which is in fluid communicationwith evacuated tube 28. In an alternate embodiment, the first matingportion may define a female luer connector, similar to connector 30, andthe second mating portion may define a male luer connector, similar toconnector 20.

Male luer connector 20 sealingly engages female luer connector 30 toestablish fluid communication between male luer connector 20 andevacuated tube 28 thereby facilitating cord blood collection fromumbilical cord 16 for appropriate sampling, analysis, etc. The sealingengagement of male luer connector 20 and female luer connector 30, inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure, advantageouslyprevents hazardous exposure to blood and m body fluids by eliminating aneedle seal and/or connection of housing 12 and the parts of fluidcollection apparatus 10. This structure reduces the number of needlesemployed to facilitate blood cord collection thereby increasing safetyto practitioners and subjects. Further, the configuration of male luerconnector 20 of housing 12 facilitates adaptability to pre-existingholders having female luer connectors.

Fluid collection apparatus 10 is contemplated for use in the medicalfield of body fluid collection. More particularly, fluid collectionapparatus 10 is envisioned to be a disposable device for collectingumbilical cord fluids and having, among other things, safety featuresthat include a needleless mating connection thereby preventinginadvertent needle sticking and hazardous exposure to blood and bodyfluids from practitioners and subjects, as well as uniform operationduring a procedure. The above advantages, among others, realized fromthe present disclosure are attained through the disclosed fluidcollection apparatus 10, as discussed herein. The features of thepresent disclosure advantageously facilitate safe collection of bodyfluids.

Fluid collection apparatus 10 is integrally assembled of its componentparts. Alternatively, portions of fluid collection apparatus 10 can bemonolithically formed and assembled therewith. Component parts of fluidcollection apparatus 10 can be fabricated from a material suitable formedical applications, for example, polymerics or metals, such asstainless steel, depending on the particular medical application and/orpreference of a practitioner. Semi-rigid and rigid polymerics arecontemplated for fabrication, as well as resilient materials, such asmolded medical grade polypropylene. However, one skilled in the art willrealize that other materials and fabrication methods suitable forassembly and manufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure,also would be appropriate.

Housing 12 defines a flange 36 disposed adjacent and about an opening 38of cavity 14. Flange 36 provides stability to housing 12 and facilitatesmanipulation thereof. It is contemplated that flange 36 may be variouslydisposed about housing 12. It is further contemplated that housing 12may not include a flange. Cavity 14 is defined by walls 40 of housing12. Cavity 14 has a reduced dimension and is appropriately sized toreceive a portion of umbilical cord 16. Consequently, housing 12 issmaller and easier to manipulate. It is contemplated that housing 12 maybe dimensioned to support an entire umbilical cord and/or variousportions thereof. Housing 12 corresponds to the configuration of cavity14, however, the outer surface of housing 12 may alternatively havegeometric configurations, such as, for example, rectangular, elliptical,etc.

Funnel 18 tapers from walls 40 to male luer connector 20 to direct cordblood collected in cavity 14 to male luer connector 20. Varying degreesof funnel taper may be employed according to the requirements of aparticular fluid collection application and/or preference of apractitioner.

Male luer connector 20 extends a sufficient length from funnel 18 tomate with female luer connector 30 of holder 22 in a slip interferencefit. The slip interference fit includes a frictional engagement thatmaintains connectors 20, 30 in a sealing engagement. Female luerconnector 30 correspondingly has a receiving depth at least a sufficientdimension to facilitate the slip interference fit with male luerconnector 26. The slip interference fit provides a needleless sealingengagement that avoids the use of a needle and prevents hazardousexposure to cord blood.

Male luer connector has a tapered outer surface 44 that is configured toengage a tapered inner surface 46 of female luer connector 30. As outersurface 44 is caused to engage inner surface 46, sufficient friction iscreated therebetween to generate the slip interference fit and sealhousing 12 with holder 22. The sealing engagement facilitates transferof cord blood to evacuated tube 28 while avoiding needlesticks,splattering, etc. It is contemplated that surfaces 44, 46 may havevariously tapered configurations, including non-tapered, depending onthe sealing strength, etc. requirements of a particular medicalapplication. It is further contemplated that male luer connector 20 maysealingly engage female luer connector 30 in various types of sealingengagements, such as, threaded friction fits, gasket, etc. sufficient toform a seal which facilitates fluid communication between housing 12 andevacuated tube 28.

Male luer connector 20 has an opening 42 that is appropriatelydimensioned to facilitate passage of fluid therethrough and avoidblockage due to particles, etc. in the cord blood and fluid. It isenvisioned that opening 42 may include screens, filters, etc. As shownin FIG. 3, a locking surface 48 extends from funnel 18 and is disposedcircumferentially about male luer connector 20. Locking surface 48,including a threaded portion 50, extends an adequate length to receive acorrespondingly threaded flange 52 of female luer connector 30. Flange52 threads with portion 50 to releasably lock housing 12 with holder 22.Locking surface 48 may alternatively comprise circumferential notchesdisposed along male luer connector 20 which engage corresponding ridgesof female luer connector 30 in a locked engagement. Other lockingsurfaces are contemplated such as, clips, catches, etc. It iscontemplated that the locking surfaces may be permanent.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, first end 24 of holder 22 has an innersurface 34. Inner surface 34 has a needle hub 54 supporting a needlecannula 56. Needle cannula 56 extends away from male luer connector 20for appropriate puncture of a rubber stopper 58 of evacuated tube 28.Needle hub 54 and needle cannula 56 are in fluid communication withfemale luer connector 30. Needle cannula 56 engages rubber stopper 58 toestablish fluid communication between male luer connector 20 andevacuated tube 28.

Needle cannula 56 punctures rubber stopper 58 such that the tip ofneedle cannula 56 is disposed in the evacuated space of tube 28. Asneedle cannula 56 communicates atmospheric pressure to the evacuatedspace of tube 28 via the fluid communication between housing 12 andevacuated tube 28, cord blood 13 disposed in funnel 18 is drawn throughmale luer connector 20, female luer connector 30, needle hub 54 andneedle cannula 56 into tube 28. Cord blood 13 is drawn through thisfluid flow path as pressure within tube 28 stabilizes to atmosphericpressure and the vacuum draws fluid therein. This fluid collectionprocess is continued until tube 28 is filled or a desired amount of cordblood 13 is collected. Tube 28 is removed from needle cannula 56.

In use, fluid collection apparatus 10 and its component parts, similarto that described, is properly sterilized and otherwise prepared forstorage, shipment and use. Referring to FIGS. 4–7, a practitionerprepares the necessary instruments, including fluid collection apparatus10 for collecting blood from an umbilical cord of a newborn. It isenvisioned that component parts of fluid collection apparatus 10employed, such as, for example, holder 22, as described, may includepre-existing medical equipment for which housing 12 is easily adaptedfor use.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, male luer connector 20 is mated to femaleluer connector 30 such that a non-puncturing sealing engagement isformed therebetween. Consequently, a seal is formed between housing 12and holder 22. Flange 52 threads with locking surface 48 to lock housing12 with holder 22. A length of umbilical cord 16, which includesarteries, veins, etc. is clamped with surgical clamps (not shown) or thelike. The length of umbilical cord 16 should be adequate for sampling,such as, for example, 8–30 centimeters.

As shown in FIG. 6, an end 60 of the length of umbilical cord 16 isplaced in housing 12. It is not required that the entire length ofumbilical cord 16 be disposed within cavity 14 of housing 12. Cord blood13 is caused to flow into cavity 14 and pool in funnel 16. Cord blood13, due to the fluid flow path communicating between housing 12 andfemale luer connector 30, and gravity, flows to needle hub 54 and needlecannula 56.

Evacuated tube 28 is inserted within cavity 27 of holder 27 to establishfluid communication between female luer connector 30 and evacuated tube28 for collecting cord blood 13 via second end 26. Rubber stopper 58 isdriven into cavity 27 such that needle cannula 56 punctures rubberstopper 58. Needle cannula 56 is disposed in the evacuated space of tube28. As discussed, cord blood 13 is drawn into the evacuated space oftube 28. The collection of cord blood 13 is facilitated by the fluidcommunication established via the needless sealing engagement of maleluer connector 20 and female luer connector 30.

Housing 12 is drained of the remaining cord blood 64, filling of tube 28and/or acquisition of a sufficient sample. Tube 28 is removed fromneedle cannula 56 to discontinue cord blood collection, as shown in FIG.7. The components of fluid collection apparatus 10 may be disposed andthe cord blood sample may be analyzed, etc.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting but merely as exemplification of preferredembodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modificationswithin the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

1. A fluid collection apparatus comprising: a housing configured forreceipt of fluid and having a first surface which defines a needlelessfirst mating portion; a holder releasably couplable to the housing, theholder having a first end and a second end configured to receive anevacuated tube, the first end defining a second mating portion on anouter surface thereof which is in fluid communication with the evacuatedtube, wherein the first mating portion sealingly engages the secondmating portion to establish fluid communication therebetween; andwherein the first mating portion includes a male connector and thesecond mating portion includes a female connector.
 2. A fluid collectionapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first end of the holderincludes a needle hub supporting a needle cannula in fluid communicationwith the second mating portion and extending away from the first matingportion.
 3. A fluid collection apparatus as recited in claim 2, whereinthe needle cannula engages the evacuated tube to establish fluidcommunication between the first mating portion and the evacuated tube.4. A fluid collection apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein thehousing has a cylindrical body portion configured and dimensioned tosupport at least a portion of an umbilical cord.
 5. A fluid collectionapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first surface of thehousing has a funnel configuration.
 6. A fluid collection apparatuscomprising: a housing configured for receipt of fluid and having a firstsurface which defines a needleless first mating portion; a holderreleasably couplable to the housing, the holder having a first end and asecond end configured to receive an evacuated tube, the first enddefining a second mating portion on an outer surface thereof which is influid communication with the evacuated tube, wherein the first matingportion sealingly engages the second mating portion to establish fluidcommunication therebetween; and wherein the first mating portionincludes a female connector and the second mating portion includes amale connector.
 7. A fluid collection apparatus comprising: a housingconfigured for receipt of fluid and having a first surface which definesa needleless first mating portion; and a holder releasably couplable tothe housing, the holder having a first end and a second end configuredto receive an evacuated tube, the first end defining a second matingportion on an outer surface thereof which is in fluid communication withthe evacuated tube, wherein the first mating portion sealingly engagesthe second mating portion to establish fluid communication therebetween;and wherein the first mating portion engages the second mating portionin a slip interference fit.
 8. An umbilical cord fluid collectionapparatus comprising: a housing defining a cavity for receipt of atleast a portion of an umbilical cord, the housing having a funnelsurface which defines a male luer connector; and a holder having a firstend and a second end configured to receive an evacuated tube, the firstend defining a female luer connector on an outer surface thereof influid communication with an inner surface of the first end, the innersurface being in fluid communication with the evacuated tube; whereinthe male luer connector sealingly engages the female luer connector toestablish fluid communication between the male luer connector and theevacuated tube.
 9. A fluid collection apparatus as recited in claim 8,wherein the funnel surface has a locking surface that engages the firstend to lock the housing with the holder.
 10. A fluid collectionapparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the housing is releasablylocked with the holder.
 11. A fluid collection apparatus as recited inclaim 9, wherein the locking surface is disposed about the male luerconnector and includes a threaded portion that receives the first end ofthe holder.
 12. A fluid collection apparatus as recited in claim 8,wherein the inner surface of the first end includes a needle hubsupporting a needle cannula in fluid communication with the female luerconnector and extending away from the male luer connector.
 13. A fluidcollection apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the needle cannulaengages the evacuated tube to establish fluid communication between themale luer connector and the evacuated tube.
 14. A fluid collectionapparatus comprising: a housing configured for receipt of fluid andhaving a first surface which defines a needleless first mating portion;a holder releasably couplable to the housing, the holder having a firstend and a second end configured to receive an evacuated tube, the firstend defining a second mating portion on an outer surface thereof whichis in fluid communication with the evacuated tube, wherein the firstmating portion sealingly engages the second mating portion to establishfluid communication therebetween; and wherein the first mating portionhas a locking surface that engages the second mating portion toreleasably lock the housing with the holder.
 15. A fluid collectionapparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the locking surface has athreaded portion that receives the second mating portion.